Need Quick Ideas

[katejames]

Hello, I need some help. I am having a couple from work over for dinner tonight and I have no idea what to make. I only have 2 hours to prepare by the time I get off from work. I know they like chicken and pasta. Any ideas on dishes that would look nice and taste great? Thank you so much everyone!

[mightyh]

The chicken fricassee with orzo is good... Very pretty and colorful if you use tri-color orzo, but even with just one color the veggies look nice.

Another option is the BBQ pork chops with sauteed apples. That comes together in less than a half hour.

[lorilei]

How about diced chicken, tomatoes (sundried or diced fresh) and herbs in CL's light alfredo sauce?

Or baked chicken breasts with parmesan cheese served with pasta and marinara sauce?

[MrsReber]

How about that raspberry balsamic chicken? I don't think I've ever made a chicken dish faster than that one! Then some rice as a side and something green (we love broccoli at my house) maybe a nice simple salad? There are so many chicken dishes that can be prepared quickly. And pasta for that matter. Maybe linguine with white clam sauce? Some crusty bread and a salad on the side? Mmm, that sounds good- and can be done rather quickly, too.

[lanie]

How about the Raspberry-Balsamic Chicken from CL - it is so easy and quick to prepare..... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif green beans sauted in a little olive oil with lemon zest and garlic and oven roasted potatoes with herbs and garlic...... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Kerri]

I think someone had this problem awhile ago and someone suggested taking whatever you have in your fridge and making stuffed chicken. I did this one night when I wanted a good meal and couldn't come up with any good ideas. I chopped some jarred roasted red peppers and mixed with feta cheese and garlic. Cut pockets into boneless chicken bresat and filled them, then sprinkled chicken with salt and pepper. Baked in cassarole dish with white wine until done. Yummy, not to bad for you, and very impressive looking.

[katejames]

That rasberry chicken sounds wonderful, I didn't see it in the archives. If anyone has it handy would you mind posting it or tell me which issue I could find it in? Could it be made with something other than rasberries (my fiance doesn't care for rasberries) Thank you. Kate

[katejames]

Sorry, I can't spell raspberries. It's a wonder I made it through school. Thanks for the ideas everyone!!

[CrystalB]

Kate-
Here's the recipe for the Raspberry Balsamic Chicken. I think it could be made with any flavor seedless preserve. It is soooo good, you have to try it!

Raspberry-Balsamic Chicken
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 4 (4-ounce) skinned, boned chicken breast halves
1/3 cup seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes. Sprinkle thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt over chicken. Add chicken to pan; sauté 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, preserves, vinegar, and pepper to pan, stirring constantly until preserves melt. Spoon sauce over chicken, and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half and 2 tablespoons sauce). CALORIES 213 (11% from fat); FAT 2.6g (sat 0.6g, mono 0.7g, poly 0.9g); PROTEIN 26.5g; CARB 20.1g; FIBER 0.6g; CHOL 66mg; IRON 1.2mg; SODIUM 370mg; CALC 22mg

[Wendy w]

How about this linguine with clam sauce? It is quick, easy and tastes like you have slaved over the stove for hours.
1 small can chopped tomatoes (undrained)
1 can clams (drained and set aside)
olive oil (approx 1 tablespoon)
minced fresh garlic (to taste)
chopped sage (about 1 to 2 tablespoons)
white wine (amt.as desired!)
linguine

Saute garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add tomatoes, wine, and sage and bring to boil. Turn down heat and simmer 5-10 min (if famished) or up to 30 minutes (if you have time). Remove from heat and add drained clams. Serve over linguine and top with Romano cheese, if desired. This is great with garlic bread and a salad!

Another good recipe is the Linguine with Clam and Artichoke Sauce (March? April?)-absolutely wonderful! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/cool.gif

Wendy

[Margie]

The Raspberry Balsamic Chicken sounds fabulous. I'm going to try it tonight. What would you serve with it for starch? I'm thinking rice, but maybe someone who has made it has a better idea.

[CrystalB]

Margie-
I usually serve couscous with the Raspberry Balsamic Chicken (just from a box). Someone else on a previous thread mentioned that they normally double the sauce for this dish and I also did the same. Sooo good!! Good luck!!

Crystal

[Leanne]

This is a really easy chicken recipe that looks fancy & tastes great.

Puff Pastry Chicken:

2-4 sheets puff pastry dough (I use Pepperidge Farms)
4 boneless chicken breats
12 slices (or so) red pepper
4 tbsp soft Boursin cheese (I use black pepper or garlic flavored)

roll dough after it's thawed somewhat. Take a piece that is large enough to fold over a chicken breast. Place a chicken breast on half. Spread 1 tbsp or so of the soft cheese on top. Put 2-3 slices of red pepper on top. Fold over the dough & crimp the sides around the chicken. Cook according to pastry directions. (around 25 minutes) That has always been enough time for the chicken to cook - but I always double check it.

I usually serve it with steamed asparagus.

Very painless recipe & very yummy - although you may have to do some shopping.

[RUSTYSMOM]

Leanne - that recipe looks fabulous!! I am definately going to try it!

THanks

[katejames]

Thank you so much everyone!I fixed the raspberry chicken last night and everyone loved it!! It was so good. I appreciate your help. Thanks-Kate